Cornell Young IV is a 26‑year‑old TV actor who first caught attention with his role as Todd in the 2025 Netflix series Forever. He also appears in the series Beyond the Gates and the drama film Doing Life. His name shows up in many online searches for new Netflix talent, and fans are looking for his age, family background and next projects. Our article gives a clear look at his life, career and what people are saying about him.
Key Takeaways
- Born Feb 14, 2000 in Missouri, now 26
- Started as a football player before acting
- Breakout role as Todd in Netflix’s Forever (2025)
Born on February 14, 2000, Cornell grew up in Missouri. He is the son of Cornell Young III and Shonte Harmon‑Young, who supported his early sports interests. The family environment was supportive, letting him try different activities as a child. Growing up in the Midwest gave him a grounded outlook that he still talks about.
In high school, Cornell attended Kirkwood High School where he played both running back and cornerback on the football team. He was known for his speed and work ethic on the field. Coaches praised his ability to learn quickly and help the team win games. Those skills later helped him when he switched to acting, where timing and discipline matter a lot. He also made friends who later encouraged him to try drama clubs.
After high school, Cornell went to McKendree University. He continued playing football as a wide receiver for the Bearcats. While at college, he started to think about life after sports. He took a few theater classes and found he liked performing. This mix of sports and stage work set the stage for his acting career.
When he finished college, Cornell decided to focus on acting full time. His first screen work was a two‑episode appearance in Beyond the Gates in 2025. The role was small but gave him a chance to learn on a professional set. He says the experience taught him how to work with directors and crew. This early work helped him land the bigger part in Forever later that year.
In Forever, Cornell played Todd, a character based on Judy Blume’s book of the same name. The show became popular quickly, and his performance was praised for its natural feel. He acted alongside Lovie Simone, Xavier Mills and Michael Cooper Jr., building strong on‑screen chemistry. Fans liked his easy‑going style and how he fit into the story. The series helped him reach a wider audience on Netflix.
Beyond TV, Cornell starred as Donovan in the drama film Doing Life. The movie showed a different side of his talent, with a more serious tone. Critics noted his ability to handle emotional scenes without over‑acting. The film added depth to his growing resume and showed he can handle both comedy and drama. It also opened doors for future movie roles.
Fans often talk about his background in sports, noting how it gave him discipline on set. Social media posts highlight his humble personality and willingness to interact with followers. Some articles, like Riley Green Biography, compare his rise to other young stars who started in athletics. Others point out his collaboration with Lovie Simone, which many fans call a highlight of the show.
Cornell is also linked to other projects that are still under wraps. He has hinted at a possible return to the football world in a cameo role. Interviews suggest he is looking at both TV and film opportunities for the next few years. His family remains a big support system, and he often credits his parents for keeping him focused. As his career moves forward, audiences can expect more diverse roles from this Missouri‑born actor.
Overall, Cornell Young IV shows how a sports background can lead to a successful acting path. His early work, breakout Netflix role, and steady film choices make him a name to watch. With a solid fan base and strong industry connections, the future looks bright for this young talent.
